GOVERNMENT AND REGULATORY

Trains to roll into new Hornsby platform

Minister for Transport David Campbell has inspected a newly built passenger platform and train stabling area which are about to open at Hornsby railway station. Mr Campbell said that from Monday 16 March passenger trains were scheduled to start rolling into the new Hornsby Station Platform 5, which is being completed in time for inclusion into the 2009 timetable. “This is a new track and new facilities which will provide greater reliability for CityRail services,” Mr Campbell said. “The new track and platform allows freight and interurban services to Newcastle and the Central Coast to pass through Hornsby Station without slowing down suburban services.”

Easy access upgrade of Burwood Station

Minister for Transport David Campbell and Member for Strathfield Virginia Judge have announced that work has commenced on the Easy Access upgrade of Burwood Station. Mr Campbell said the contract for the majority of building works has been awarded to Gartner Rose, who will progress the preliminary work that RailCorp has been undertaking since November 2008. “The improvements at Burwood Station will increase the safety, comfort and accessibility of the station for customers who use it every day,” Mr Campbell said.

New York State Rail Plan released

Governor David Paterson and New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn have announced the release of the 2009 New York State Rail Plan, providing the first comprehensive update of the State’s rail strategy in 22 years and fulfilling a prerequisite for federal funding for rail capital improvement projects. The announcement was made at the Capital District Transportation Authority’s Rensselaer train station. “Rail transportation is critical to efficiently moving people and goods throughout New York State,” Mr Paterson said. “With the 2009 New York State Rail Plan, we are charting a course for the future.”

INDUSTRY

ARA appoints new chairman

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has announced the appointment of David Marchant, CEO of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) as its new Chairman. Mr Marchant takes over from Don Telford, CEO of Asciano, who has chaired the association since July 2007. In accepting the appointment Mr Marchant said he was honoured to hold the position of chairman of the ARA. “It is an exciting time for the industry as government invests in the freight and passenger networks across the country,” Mr Marchant said.

Connex demonstrates new train layout

On Thursday 12 March 2009 Connex unveiled the anticipated demonstration train with a new layout and other modifications designed to increase capacity, reduce waiting times at stations whilst improving customer comfort and maintaining safety. The three carriage Comeng unit has more space inside the door to facilitate quicker entry and exit, a much improved hand rail system, altered seating to create better use of floor space and enhanced signage for people travelling with mobility aids. There is also more space and clearer signage for those travelling with bicycles and prams. 

Rail network reopens

The last corridor on the Queensland rail network that was closed because of a cyclone threat has reopened. Freight train services resumed between Mackay and Rockhampton after a track inspection on 9 March 2009, once the threat eased. No passenger or freight trains had operated on this section of the North Coast line since it was closed on 8 March because of the proximity of Cyclone Hamish, which had been moving down the Queensland coast.

National rulebook

The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has published a national rulebook designed for use by all rail safety workers who work on track throughout Australia. The rulebook is the first of two and focuses on people actually working on the railway or ‘working on the track’ as it is commonly known in the industry. The second stage will address those rules and procedures associated with operating trains on the network. The national rulebook project was first conceived over 10 years ago and had languished in its development until now.